Over $600K Worth of Cocaine Found Hidden in 'Juice' Truck

More than half-a-million dollars worth of cocaine was recently found hidden within the tires of a "juice" truck attempting to enter the U.S.

According to a press release from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the incident occurred on July 7, at the World Trade Bridge, which is located along the U.S.-Mexico border in Laredo, Texas.

Officers stationed at the World Trade Bridge encountered a "1997 Freightliner trailer" that was said to be carrying a shipment of "juice," CBP said.

The incident last week comes as CBP officers across the nation's borders continue to intercept shipments of illegal narcotics.

The truck was eventually referred for a secondary inspection prior to being approved entry into the U.S. According to CBP, the secondary inspection included the use of "a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination."

During the secondary inspection, CBP officers discovered 38 packages that were found hidden within the truck's tires. The packages contained 87 pounds of alleged cocaine, CBP said, with an "estimated street value of $671,160."

CBP declined to make any further comments after Newsweek reached out.

In the press release, Laredo Port of Entry Director Alberto Flores said: "Our CBP officers' knowledge of concealment methods and technology played a key role in the discovery of these illicit narcotics."

Flores continued: "We remain committed to ensuring our cargo system remains secure while facilitating lawful commerce."

According to CBP, the alleged narcotics and tractor were seized following the incident.

"U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents are investigating the seizure," per the press release.

Over the past several months, law enforcement officials across the U.S. have continued to seize illegal drugs.

Data from CBP showed that in May, over 46,000 pounds of narcotics were confiscated by agents across the nation's borders. It also showed that from January to May, CBP seized over 200,000 pounds of illicit narcotics.

In April, authorities made a similar confiscation at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge, located along the U.S.-Mexico border. At the time, CBP officers noticed a tractor-trailer attempting to gain entry into the U.S. However, during a secondary inspection of the truck, officers discovered over $4 million worth of methamphetamine hidden within the shipment of waterproof sealant.

In May, CBP officers confiscated $1 million worth of meth that was located in a truck's shipment of squash.

Law enforcement authorities have not only intercepted narcotics along the nation's borders—Colorado State Troopers recently made the largest seizure of pure fentanyl powder on a U.S. highway.